BDS Testing FAQs: Your Top Queries Answered

The questions most frequently asked of Behavior Data Systems (BDS) are listed below. If you would like more information or have other questions, please contact us.

Why use Behavior Data Systems tests?

In addition to alcohol and drugs, Behavior Data Systems (BDS) tests gather other valuable information. All BDS tests contain a Truthfulness Scale to determine the amount of test taker denial, minimization, and faking. Each test varies according to the client population being evaluated. Consequently, BDS tests measure important behaviors missed by other tests. BDS offers different tests for different client populations and evaluation purposes.

BDS tests are designed for use in drug courts, adult and juvenile general population courts, probation departments, prisons, parole departments, sex offender evaluations, DUI/DWI offender screenings, violence (lethality) assessments, anger management programs, shoplifter testing, substance abuse treatment, counseling programs, and other settings. Visit BDS' test list page for more information on specific tests.

How do these testing systems work?

Behavior Data Systems (BDS) users are registered and can purchase diskettes containing 25 or 50 test applications. Windows applications require a one-time installation procedure. Clients can complete tests either on the computer screen or via the paper/pencil method, with answers manually entered into the computer. Test data and demographics are retained for research. Diskettes are returned to BDS for database analysis, ensuring quality control and allowing for annual program summaries.

Users who prefer online testing can visit www.online-testing.com. BDS tests are available online for $9.95 per test. Volume discounts are available for high test volumes (over 800 tests annually).

Who can use these tests?

A variety of professionals, including school personnel, counselors, DUI/DWI providers, probation officers, and private practitioners, use BDS tests. These tests assess client risk and needs in specific scales (measurements) but do not diagnose. Only registered users are allowed to administer BDS tests.

How can you tell if the person taking the test was truthful?

BDS tests use Truthfulness Scales to detect denial and faking. Truth-Corrected scores are applied to account for untruthfulness, offering a more accurate assessment than raw scores. The Truthfulness Scale is discussed on each test webpage.

How can you test the reading impaired?

BDS tests are available in English and Spanish, typically at a 5th or 6th-grade reading level. Short-form versions are also available for reading-impaired individuals. Additionally, BDS offers an Audio (Human Voice) Reading option, allowing clients to hear test questions through earphones. This innovative approach helps address bilingual, cultural, and reading-impaired challenges.

How is confidentiality protected?

BDS complies with HIPAA regulations, ensuring confidentiality. The "delete client names" option allows users to remove client names from diskettes before returning them to BDS. Only demographics and test data are retained for database analysis.

Are these tests reliable and valid?

BDS tests demonstrate reliability and validity through correlations with various criteria. For example, the DRI-II has been validated on over one million DUI/DWI offenders and has been praised for its accuracy. Each test's webpage provides links to its reliability and validity research.

What are the advantages of a built-in database?

BDS tests come with built-in databases, allowing for the confidential retention of test data. These databases enable ongoing research and annual program summaries. The DRI-II, for example, has one of the most extensive DUI databases ever gathered.

Are these tests expensive?

BDS tests are affordably priced at $9.95 per test. This price includes free test booklets, human voice reading options, training manuals, ongoing research, and annual summary reports. Volume discounts are available, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered.

Risk Ranges explained

BDS tests classify clients into four risk ranges: low (0-39th percentile), medium (40-69th percentile), problem (70-89th percentile), and severe problem (90-100th percentile). These ranges provide an efficient way to assess client risk, with problem risk identified at the 70th percentile or higher.

How about research support?

BDS actively supports research and offers discounts to approved researchers. Students are encouraged to use BDS tests in their master's and doctoral studies. Interested parties should contact BDS for more information.

Are BDS tests available online?

Yes, BDS tests are available online through an exclusive contract with www.online-testing.com. Over 40 BDS tests are currently available online, with more being added. For more information, contact info@bdsltd.com.

Annual Summary Reports

BDS provides annual summary reports to large-volume test users (over 800 tests annually) at no cost. These reports include demographics, court history, and test statistics such as reliability and validity. An example report can be viewed by clicking the Annual Summary Report link.

For additional information or assistance, contact Behavior Data Systems at:

Behavior Data Systems, Ltd.

P.O. Box 44256

Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4256

Phone: (602) 234-3506

Fax: (602) 266-8227

Email: bds@bdsltd.com